Get ready to pay more for excess baggage on flights
The luxury of flying keeps getting costlier for the common man. In the latest blow for passengers, airlines are now free to charge up to Rs. 350/kg for luggage beyond 15kg. Last June, the DGCA had capped excess baggage fees in the 15-20kg bracket at Rs. 100/kg. Now the Delhi HC has set aside the order, saying DGCA cannot fix such tariff.
The DGCA had stepped in last year to check prices
Two years back, all airlines except Air India reduced free check-in baggage limit from 20kg to 15kg for domestic economy passengers (Air India still allows 23kg). Then they started charging up to Rs. 350/kg for luggage exceeding 15kg. After several complaints by passengers, the DGCA capped the fees at Rs. 100/kg for luggage between 15-20kgs. They could charge without any limit beyond 20kg.
'DGCA has no jurisdiction to fix such prices'
The Federation of Indian Airlines approached the court, arguing the DGCA had no jurisdiction in the matter and that fares were decided based on market forces. The DGCA can interfere only in matters of discriminatory practices, it said. The court agreed and overturned the order.
A number of additional charges in the last few years
The last few years have seen a series of revision in charges after the government in 2013 allowed airlines to unbundle charges for different services. Many then levied additional charges for preferential seating, use of lounges, meals and baggage. But the DGCA has been providing relief: last year, it ruled cancellation charges cannot exceed base fare plus fuel surcharge.
